Name: Squared Love Everlasting
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2023-03-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Adrianna Chlebicka, Mateusz Banasiuk, Ina Sobala, Tomasz Karolak, Monika Krzywkowska

The moment Monika (Adrianna Chlebicka) freezes mid-sentence, her eyes widening at the bombshell revelation that upends Squared Love Everlasting, the film’s third act collapses under its own weight. It’s a scene that should resonate with emotional gravity, but instead, it feels like the culmination of a series of poorly constructed plot twists rather than a natural evolution of the story. Directed by Filip Zylber, this Netflix rom-com farce commits the cardinal sin of prioritizing cheap shocks over genuine character development and romantic chemistry.

What it is: The third installment in the Squared Love series, Everlasting follows Monika, a glamorous influencer, and Stefan “Enzo” Tkaczyk (Mateusz Banasiuk), an earnest schoolteacher, as their whirlwind romance hurtles toward what should be a fairy-tale ending. But when a shadow from Enzo’s past resurfaces, the couple’s carefully constructed world is thrown into chaos. The film blends romantic comedy with elements of farce, evoking comparisons to underrated gems like Definitely Maybe and classics such as Mamma Mia!, but it ultimately falls short of their charm and emotional depth.

The chemistry between Chlebicka and Banasiuk is the film’s strongest suit. Their early scenes together fizz with energy—bantering over coffee, bickering in Enzo’s cluttered apartment, or navigating the absurdity of Monika’s influencer lifestyle. A standout moment comes when Enzo’s ex-principal (Tomasz Karolak) bursts into their lives, delivering a monologue about “modern education” that’s as hilariously over-the-top as it is unexpectedly poignant. Chlebicka and Banasiuk play off each other with effortless charm, making their characters’ bond feel tangible despite the script’s shortcomings.

The supporting cast adds layers of humor and heart. Ina Sobala, as Monika’s best friend Ewa, steals scenes with her deadpan delivery and impeccable comedic timing. Mirosław Baka, as the enigmatic Bazyli, injects a much-needed dose of unpredictability into the narrative. Even minor characters like Aleksandra Burska (Monika Krzywkowska) contribute to the film’s farcical energy, though her subplot—centering on a bizarre romantic entanglement with Enzo’s cousin—feels tacked on and devoid of purpose.

Yet for every moment that works, Squared Love Everlasting stumbles where it should soar. The “bombshell revelation” that derails Monika and Enzo’s relationship feels engineered rather than earned. Instead of growing organically from the characters’ flaws or past mistakes, it arrives like a deus ex machina, undermining the emotional stakes of their journey. A subplot involving Aleksandra Burska meanders without clear direction, adding unnecessary runtime to an already overstuffed narrative. Worse, key romantic scenes are rushed, while secondary characters’ arcs drag, creating a frustrating imbalance in pacing.

Zylber’s direction lacks the visual flair and emotional nuance of his earlier work, particularly Squared Love (2021). Static shots dominate the film, with even dynamic sequences—such as a chaotic wedding scene or a climactic confrontation at a rooftop party—feeling rote and uninspired. The sound design, usually a strength in rom-coms, relies too heavily on canned laugh tracks, cheapening genuine moments of humor and emotional resonance.

The film’s originality suffers from its formulaic structure. While it nods to classics like Definitely Maybe and The Proposal, it fails to carve out its own identity beyond the Squared Love franchise. The genre fit is solid but uninspired—think Crazy Rich Asians without the cultural specificity or The Proposal without the edge. The themes of love, trust, and second chances are timeless, but Everlasting treats them with a superficiality that feels out of step with modern rom-coms like Palm Springs or The Big Sick, which balance humor and heart with deft precision.

Who it’s for: Fans of the Squared Love series will find familiar comfort in its mix of romance and farce, but newcomers may struggle to connect with the characters or care about their predicaments. The film is at its best when it leans into its comedic strengths, particularly in scenes involving Monika’s influencer lifestyle or Enzo’s ex-principal’s antics. However, those hoping for a deeper exploration of love and relationships will likely leave disappointed.

In the end, Squared Love Everlasting is a missed opportunity. It has moments of genuine charm and humor, but they’re buried under layers of contrivance and weak storytelling. The performances are strong, particularly from Chlebicka and Banasiuk, but they can’t save a script that prioritizes shock value over emotional authenticity.